How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns

A cot is the baby's first bed and will be their sleeping space until they are around four years old. You want it to be comfortable, sturdy and secure.

Check that the mattress is free of gaps as these can be an issue for babies who are suffocated. Also consider a convertible cot.

Single Cot

The OEX Ultralite folding cot is among the lightest options on the market. It weighs just 2.68kg, and costs almost half the price of the Helinox version that I tested. It's also much easier to set up - the two primary poles snap together like unusually large tent poles with shock cords to help keep them in place, then they slide easily into sleeves on their connected legs and you just have to place your feet in them to create the sleeping surface.

The only downside is that it can be a little tricky to dismantle - you need to be able to remove the legs, and then it requires some effort to dismantle the frame. It's only a minor complaint and I believe it's the best cot newborn (writes in the official Mybookmark blog) lightweight cot that I've ever tested.

Look at the cot bed options available on the market if seeking something more robust and long-lasting. If you choose this option, you will need to purchase a separate bed for your child after a few years.

Some children prefer to remain in a cot for more than this, but the majority of them are eager to move on to their first single bed which can be presented as a "prize for being a big brother or sister!

The Cot One provides a comfortable sleep for babies and young children on any surface, including hard surfaces. It's easy to put together, has no small parts to lose, and feels sturdy enough to hold a child without worrying about unstable parts.

Double Cot

A double cot is ideal for twins or siblings that need to share a bed. It has the same security features as a single cot, including side rails as well as a slatted base which can be lowered as your child grows. It also has numerous support areas so that you can customize it to your child's needs. This is the only cot that we tested designed to accommodate two infants at one time and can hold up to 325 pounds. This cot is 72 inches long. This is a fantastic selling point for families that need to share space.

One of the things that parents love about this crib is that it can convert into a toddler bed and then into a junior bed, giving it a longer life span and ensuring that you don't have to buy another bed. This is important for those who are on a tight budget and will save you money over the long term as your child develops into a young adult.

The majority of experts in the field recommend cot beds because they provide the greatest safety for your child. The bed is designed to be used up until your child reaches 2 years. After that, it needs to be converted into a toddler or junior bed.

This is the only cot we have tested with an adjustable base. The lowest setting is suitable for babies who are still in the sitting position. The most extreme setting is recommended if your baby can roll over. This is an essential aspect as babies can choke when their heads are caught between gaps or protrusions inside the cot.

The only drawback to this cot is that it's not the most mobile, as it takes considerable effort to fold it and can be quite finicky when trying to get the legs. Also, it is the largest cot on our list and can feel heavy to carry around if you have to move it far from its storage location.

If you're looking for a cot that checks all the boxes, look no further than this deluxe wood cot. This beautiful piece of furniture can be elevated in style, comfort and function in your living space. It is beautiful in any nursery and can be incorporated into many different styles for kids' bedrooms after your baby is out of it.

Triple Cot

Cots provide the safety and security of a sleeping environment for your newborn, ensuring that they get the sleep they need. The base can be raised to accommodate the developmental stage of your baby. They are generally lower than beds. Many cots come with a drop-side that allows you to co-sleep safely with your infant. This also allows you to feed your baby at the night. Some cots offers have the option to remove one of the sides completely which allows you to use it as a bassinet to make it a safer alternative to co-sleeping in your bed.

Some cots have additional features that help parents. They include a drawer under the cot that is perfect to store things in, rails that protect babies with teeth, and a riser leg that can create an angle that can be used for babies with reflux. One of our top cots is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed, which is beautiful to look at thanks to its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish but it is also extremely practical, with three levels of height for the mattress, as well as being easily transformed into a toddler bed when your child is ready.

It is crucial that your baby gets a good night's sleep. Therefore, it's worth the time to find the best cradle or cot for them. Attend an NCT New Baby Course to find out more about the various options available and discuss them with other parents and a qualified group leader.

When buying a cot there are a lot of things to consider. These include the sides and depth of the cot, its storage capacity, if it comes with a hood that can be removed, and if the cot has bedding. Double check the dimensions of the crib or cot of your baby to ensure that it is suitable for your bedroom or nursery. Be sure that there is enough space for your baby to move about and that it's not too close to windows or heat sources.

Quadruple Cot

You'll require a four-in-one cot if you are expecting twins, triplets, or more. These large cots are designed to accommodate up to four babies at one time They include bedding sets that make it easy to get your baby ready to go to bed. Many have a side rail so that you can keep your baby close to you as they sleep. If you have kids of your own, you may prefer a model with a bunk bed that can be transformed into an individual bed.

A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress which can be adjusted to fit your baby's height. This can be a good option if you're worried your baby may slip in the night, and is beneficial when your child is beginning to stand. Many cot mattresses are constructed of natural materials such as wool or cotton, but there are models that make use of polyurethane foam as well.

It's a good idea to select a cot that has mesh sides, which allows air to circulate and keep your baby cool. Be sure to check the bars too. They shouldn't be wider than 6.5cm to stop your child from climbing out. Avoid cots that have solid foot and head boards, as they could trap clothing or limbs.

The ease of cleaning the mini cot beds needs to be considered. Check if the fabric can be machine washed and the care instructions for removable parts. Also, you'll need to think about whether your mini cot beds bedding will fit or if you'll need purchase specialized sheets for travel cots.

Babies need a lot of toys, including nappies (which can quickly add up!) bedding, clothing and other toys. The Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot is a cot that comes with storage space. It will help you keep everything organized and easily accessible.